Context of His Times

• When did the Industrial Revolution begin?


  In the late 18th century
• What were the main changes brought about by the Industrial Revolution in Britain?


  It transformed Britain's economy and society through factories, mechanization, and mass production
• How did urbanization during the Industrial Revolution affect cities like London and Manchester?


  These cities grew at unprecedented rates
• What social problems arose as a result of industrialization?


  Child labor, poor working conditions, environmental degradation, and overcrowded slums
• Which novel by Dickens reflects the human cost of industrialization?


  Hard Times
• What criticism does Dickens express in his novels regarding industrialization?


  He criticizes the exploitation of workers, particularly women and children
• What are the key features of the Industrial Revolution as described in the study material?


  • Transformation of Britain's economy and society
  • Introduction of factories and mechanization
  • Mass production leading to rapid urbanization
  • Growth of cities like London and Manchester
  • Emergence of social problems: child labor, poor working conditions, environmental degradation, overcrowded slums
  • Reflection of these issues in Dickens's novels
• What was happening to the British Empire during Dickens's life?


  The British Empire was expanding.
• How did colonial trade affect Britain's economy during Dickens's time?


  Colonial trade fueled economic growth.
• What inequalities did colonial trade expose within British society?


  It exposed the inequalities within British society.
• In what way did Dickens's works address the colonial impact?


  His works occasionally touch on the colonial impact.
• What domestic consequences of the empire does Dickens focus on in his works?


  He focuses on the displacement of wealth and the moral responsibility of the wealthy elite.
• How does "Great Expectations" critique the effects of empire-building?


  It critiques corruption and ambition associated with empire-building.
• What do the characters in "Great Expectations" represent in relation to colonial wealth?


  They benefit from colonial wealth but remain morally impoverished.
• What are the main themes related to the British Empire in Dickens's works?


  • Expansion of the British Empire
  • Economic growth fueled by colonial trade
  • Inequalities within British society
  • Displacement of wealth
  • Moral responsibility of the wealthy elite
  • Critique of corruption and ambition in "Great Expectations"
  • Characters benefiting from colonial wealth yet morally impoverished
• During which period did Dickens live that was characterized by social change?


  During a time of growing awareness of human rights
• What were some of the key movements advocating for social change during Dickens' lifetime?


  Movements for the abolition of slavery, women’s rights, and workers’ rights
• How did Dickens' novels contribute to the discussion of human rights?


  They championed the dignity and welfare of marginalized groups
• What social issue did Dickens condemn in his writings?


  Child labor
• What type of reform did Dickens support related to education?


  Educational reform
• Which institution did Dickens criticize for its treatment of the poor?


  The workhouse system
• In what way did Dickens' literary voice impact public opinion?


  It contributed to the moral debate around human rights and encouraged social reforms
• What are the main themes related to human rights in Dickens' works?


  • Dignity and welfare of marginalized groups
  • Condemnation of child labor
  • Support for educational reform
  • Criticism of dehumanizing institutions like workhouses